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When it comes to the promotion of your book it is important to know that: "Publicity is the voice of visibility." And its lesson to authors is clear nothing can spotlight your book faster than good publicity.

But how do you find a publicist that best fits you and your book? Here Marsha Friedman, Chief Executive Officer of Event Management Services Inc, a national publicity firm shares her 10 tips to find the best publicist for your book.

1. Publicists often specialize in different genres of books (e.g., non-fiction, fiction, children's books, religious titles, etc.). So, if your book is religious, find a firm that specializes in religious media as they'll have the strongest contacts and will know which shows and publications represent the best exposure for you. Marsha Friedman says, "Same goes for all of the other genres as well."

2. If your book has a very unique subject or audience -- e.g. charitable giving, or secrets of the cable TV industry, etc. -- it's unlikely you will find a publicist who specializes in just that topic. Marsha Friedman says, "Instead, you'll want a publicist who will take the time to familiarize themselves with your topic or book and will craft a campaign to match your special needs."

3. Make sure that the publicist is a specialist in your choice of media. Marsha Friedman says, "Not every publicist is a master at every medium. Many publicists specialize in one medium and will refer business to other specialists when it's best for their client." So if you have written an exercise book, then TV would be best. Thus you would need to find a publicity firm that specializes in TV.

4. Make sure that you request to see sample campaigns. This is a terrific way to see what sort of media exposure, and within what timeframe, that they obtained for their authors.

5. Request the opportunity to contact the publicity firm's past clients. This way you can have a conversation with someone that actually worked with the firm. This may hold a few pearls of wisdom for you.

6. Make sure to look at the price tag and shop around. Don't use the most expensive publicity firm simply based on the fact that they have a fancy address in a major metropolitan city.

7. And speaking of fees - in the book industry you'll find many publicists who work on a performance or project basis. Marsha Friedman says, "There are many firms out there that charge on a project basis while there are others that will charge you every month regardless of their results. So, steer clear of monthly retainer based firms."

8. Get past a prospective PR firm's sales hype and find the firm you feel will get the job done. Marsha Friedman says, "The problem an author can run into is the sales person they speak with and build confidence in, is not always the person who will be handling their campaign. So, don't be shy about asking who will be writing your press releases and who will be pitching you to the media. You need to see what their experience level is, the amount of time they were at the firm and anything else you want to know about them. After all the time, money and hard work you invested in writing your book, you want to make sure your campaign isn't being delegated to a rookie out of college."

9. In your search for the right publicity firm - don't just talk to local agencies. Marsha Friedman says, "This point is really important if you are interested in gaining the attention of the local media. You don't have to regularly have face-to-face meetings with your publicity firm. The work involved can be done via phone. So focus your efforts on finding the best publicity..period!" 9. Finally make sure that the publicity firm is enthusiastic about your topic! Their determination alone can often be the driving force behind prime media placements for you.

So think about it: Nothing can get your book more visibility than the right publicist! The journey to finding the perfect publicist for your book is down to these ten easy tips.If you would like to learn more about gaining national and local media exposure for your company, product or service, without the financial burden of monthly retainers, Marsha Friedman is available to be of service . Feel free to contact her directly at mfriedman@emsincorporated.com or visit her firm online at http://www.emsincorporated.com. As a public relations expert Friedman has the ability to get the media attention that you desire without costly monthly retainers .